Beloved mother, Cheryl Lee Rotter, 85, passed away on June 10, 2025, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was born on January 28, 1940, in Corning, Iowa, where she grew up with a love of art, playing school sports and helping on the farms of both sets of grandparents. She especially enjoyed working at the local stables, training horses and competing in equestrian events for many years.

Cheryl married her husband, James, in 1962 and began their family outside of Des Moines, Iowa. They moved to Dickinson, Texas, in 1974 where they enjoyed a warm community and life-long support from friends and neighbors.

She loved raising her family in this community and supporting the Dickinson Gator football team. Those Friday nights with her Gator ladies were some of the most fun and loved moments of her life. An avid sports fan, she remained greatly interested in national and collegiate sports teams even in her final days.

She worked as a hair stylist for nearly 10 years before having her first child. She transitioned into the role of being a full-time mom and acted as a room mother, field trip volunteer, attending band competitions and numerous sporting events for her children. Once her children had left the home, she greatly enjoyed facilitating and supporting our friends’ children in their activities. And in later years, she held various retail positions to keep busy, but rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey pushed her to focus only on the home and enjoying retired life.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her husband; father, Donald Symonds; mother, Lucille, and stepfather, W. James Reynolds; brother, Ron Symonds, and sister-in-law, Sandra; and sister, Robin, who died soon after birth.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Tracy; son, Alan Rae, and daughter-in-law, Kimery; cherished granddaughters, Jordyn and Whitley; nephews, Rodney and Don; and loving friends, the Anthamatten family.

Respecting her wishes, the family will arrange a private ceremony at a later time. Memorial donations in Cheryl’s name may be directed to the Bayou Animal Services & Adoption Center in Dickinson or a local SPCA to honor her love of all animals.